McAlester GEAR UP juniors tour Murray State College

11/18/2016

WILBURTON, OK (Nov. 18, 2016) – Thirty–nine McAlester GEAR UP students recently toured Murray State College (MSC) in Tishomingo. Students began the morning by participating in a guided tour. MSC student ambassador Chelby Andrews and College Recruiter Shawn Minzes led juniors throughout the beautiful campus. They saw numerous programs MSC offers including the Gunsmithing program, Veterinary Technology, residence living, dining options, and more.

Students traveled to the Engineering Technology Building to learn about Murray’s Gunsmithing Program, one of only four NRA–approved affiliated schools across the country. MSC students Michael Williams and Guy Womack took time to show students what each year of the program offers and what they different classrooms look like. It is a two–year program with the option to apply for a third year where students make a hunting rifle and learn pistol making. Throughout the three–year program, students will have designed five customized firearms for themselves. This program is an extremely competitive with over 250 applicants last year alone. MSC only accepts 30 into the program annually.

The Director of Veterinary Technology Laura Sandmann met students in the College Campus Center to introduce the Vet Tech program. She explained the numerous animal and business partners they work with in the program. MSC Vet Tech program is responsible for the general care of community–sheltered animals. Students were surprised to learn about activities and educational trips in which they get to participate if accepted into the program. They have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals throughout the two–year program. Mrs. Sandmann showed photos of the students working with dogs, cats, elephants, snakes, whales and more.

Next stop on the tour was to get a glimpse of the Aggie Suites. The suites are set up similar to apartments with four bedrooms and two bathrooms. They come with the furniture needed for the main living area and each bedroom (including a microwave and mini fridge for each resident). Floors are a stained concrete which is a popular design while also making clean up simple.

The last stop before lunch was to visit the Classroom Building which houses numerous general education courses. The recruiter gave students an opportunity to sit in a college classroom. They were surprised and relieved to see it was no larger than their high school classrooms. MSC has a 16:1 student/instructor ratio. This makes it easier for students to get to know their classmates and professors.

To gain the full college experience, the McAlester students ate on campus in the Dining Hall and enjoyed lunch with MSC students. After lunch, students took group photos in the center of campus where an old Haskell Lucas Hall dormitory had once stood. The old entrance still remains with new seating areas and fountains for design.

“Students were very impressed to see first–hand what Murray State has to offer. There are some very unique programs a short distance from home.” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Rachael Ranallo.

The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature.

Second–year Gunsmithing student Michael Williams shows students a custom hunting rifle made in the third year of the program. Students pictured are Brendon Ruyle, Jake Rattan, Destiny Hilton, Nate Alexander and ReAnn Wall.

Gunsmithing students Michael Williams and Guy Womack show students the various dips that can be added to the gun designs. Students pictured are Jake Rattan, Brendon Ruyle and Andrea Lawrence.